Moving onto Week 7 of the 2023 season, and we are going to give you some DraftKings bargain bin plays for the week. These are plays that are on the ultra-value/ GPP contrarian side. So generally avoid these plays in cash game lineups, but in GPPs- especially big fields go for it!
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Desmond Ridder @TB ($5,200)
Ridder made this column last week based on his somewhat surprising level of involvement in the ever improving Washington Commanders offense, most notably the 35 passing attempts he is averaging per game on a team that is fully committed to the run. The sophomore QB out of Cincinnati attempted a season high 47 passes last time out at home to the Commanders, completing 28 of those for 307 yards and 2 TDs. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Ridder did sling 3 interceptions in the game, but his increasing rapport with Drake London and Kyle Pitts is encouraging. The Falcons now travel to a Bucs team who allowed Jared Goff to put up 353 yards and 2 scores against them in week 6. Ridder should be a safe bet for another 20+ point performance, an ideal return on his $5200 price tag.
Tyrod Taylor v WAS ($5,100)
Daniel Jones has returned to Giants practise, but is yet to be cleared for contact, so the signs all point to him sitting out the divisional clash against Washington at the weekend, clearing the way for Tyrod Taylor to get his second consecutive start for the G-Men. Looking at the 34-year old veteran’s fantasy points from last week in a vacuum doesn’t paint a favourable picture, but Taylor was a lot more efficient than his scoring suggests. Taylor threw for exactly 200 yards with no interceptions, and added a further 24 yards on the ground, proving he still has good leg speed, living up to his moniker of T-Mobile…all that was missing was the touchdowns. Through 6 weeks, only the Chargers are giving up more fantasy points to opposing QBs than the Commanders; combine that with Taylor’s elusiveness on the ground and there’s upside there this week for the Giant’s number 2.
Kenny Pickett @LAR ($5,000)
It hasn’t been the easiest of starts for Pickett and the Steelers; they have faced some formidable defenses in their opening handful of games including San Francisco, Cleveland and divisional rivals Baltimore. On top of this they lost star WR Diontae Johnson to the IR after sustaining a hamstring injury in their opening game against the 49ers, and have been without 3rd-year TE Pat Freiermuth for the best part of 2 games with a similar injury. Despite the setbacks, the Black and Gold are 3-2, still sit 2nd in the AFC North through their bye, and now get to travel to the City of Angels to take on the 3-3 Rams. Both Freiermuth and Johnson have returned to full practice, the latter still awaiting official activation from injured reserve, but is likely to suit up. Pickett’s chances of fantasy relevance are greatly increased with a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal for the first time since week 1 – he’s a bargain on this slate at only $5000.
Ezekiel Elliott v BUF ($4,800)
We are in uncharted territory with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick; through 6 weeks only the New York Giants have scored fewer points, with Big Blue putting up 71 in their opening half a dozen contests compared to the Pats 72. Rostering any Patriot then can be seen as a somewhat risky play, but in this week 7 bye-pocalypse we are going to have to get our hands dirty. Zeke scored his first touchdown as a Patriot last time out and continues to see a healthy share of the backfield snaps, much to the chagrin of Rhamondre Stevenson managers. The former Dallas Cowboy amassed only 34 yards last week against the Raiders in Vegas but did so on just 7 carries. Hosting their divisional rivals, the 5-1 Bills may seem a daunting prospect for the men from Foxborough, but Travis Etienne proved in London just how susceptible to the run game this Buffalo defense can be. If New England somehow manages to get their offense into the red zone, Zeke is a good bet to find pay dirt.
Roschon Johnson v LV ($4,600) **UPDATE RULED OUT OF WEEK 7**
Last week one of the most asked questions in fantasy was “who is the running back to own in Chicago with Khalil Herbert missing time”, and the correct answer was – none of them. Sure, D’Onta Foreman put together a solid effort of 15 carries for 65 yards, adding 2 yards on his lone reception; but fantasy managers were left disappointed as Foreman ceded work to Darryton Evans, who saw 9 rushing attempts, as well as seeing a number of the inevitable designed run plays for QB Justin Fields. After missing out with a concussion, Johnson could be set to return for the week 7 contest at home to the Raiders who just last week let both of the aforementioned Ezekiel Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson walk into the end zone. Herbert will still be missing, if Roschon suits up, he will be the guy at Soldier Field on Sunday. Could opt for Foreman ($4,800) who should get the volume of carries, but the ceiling isn’t there in the same way as it was for Johnson
Zach Evans v PIT ($4,000)
Welcome to your weekly “free square of the week” pick. Rams starting running back Kyren Williams left LA’s week 6 victory over the Cardinals with an ankle injury and looks set to be missing until after the team’s bye in week 10. Zach Evans is the next man up in the backfield and will share the load with veterans Royce Freeman and Myles Gaskin, the latter joining the team midweek from the Vikings’ practise squad…hardly stiff competition for the rookie out of TCU. Evans only carried the ball 4 times last week in relief of Williams, the only carries of his short career – but it looks as if he is going to thrust into the limelight in Inglewood on Sunday night, and at only $4000, he is a must start in your DFS lineups.
Curtis Samuel @NYG ($4,000)
Washington’s pass attack has come to life in the previous 3 games, with sophomore QB Sam Howell throwing for 829 combined yards and 6 TDs against the Eagles, Bears and Falcons. One of the main beneficiaries of Howell’s improved performance is apparent WR3 for the team; Curtis Samuel. Despite being listed behind Terry Mclaurin and Jahan Dotson on the depth chart, Samuel has outscored both his team mates in fantasy points since week 4…comfortably in the case of Dotson. Mclaurin continues to be the teams leader in targets, but Samuel’s efficiency and connection with Howell makes him a worthwhile pick this week against the Giants. Look for him to continue a streak that has seen him score 18.2, 18.5 and 14.2 points on DraftKings in his last 3 outings.
Wan’Dale Robinson ($3,800)
On the other side of the field to Samuel, Wan’Dale Robinson presents fantasy managers with an even cheaper option to roster a high upside WR who is clicking into gear with their respective QB. Robinson was the main beneficiary from Tyrod Taylor filling in for the injured Daniel Jones in week 6, with the 3rd year pass-catcher hauling in all 8 of his targets from Danny Dimes’ backup for 62 yards. Robinson led the team in targets, and with Taylor likely under centre again in the divisional match against the Commanders, he should continue to see plenty of opportunities. Robinson has only been priced up $100 on last week, he’s a solid bargain play this weekend.
Michael Wilson @SEA ($3,800)
Rookie Michael Wilson’s 4 targets were the 5th highest amongst pass catchers for the Cardinals in week 6 in LA against the Rams, but he led the team in yards, amassing 62 yards on 3 receptions from Joshua Dobbs. Marquise Brown is the undoubted centrepiece of the Cardinals passing offense, but Wilson is making the most of his opportunities, hauling in 89% of targets on the season so far. We saw Wilson’s big play ability in week 4, putting up 76 yards and 2 scores against a tough 49ers defense. This week Arizona travels to Seattle, and takes on a Seahawks secondary that is the worst in the league, giving up more fantasy points to WRs than any other team. If you want a part of the Cardinals passing game but don’t want to pay up on Hollywood, Wilson is a fine choice.
Luke Musgrave @DEN ($3,300)
The Packers rookie TE was much-hyped in the off season, and it’s fair to say he’s perhaps fallen slightly short of the expectations that were set in the fantasy community. The talent is clearly there, the only thing missing from Musgrave’s game thus far is touchdowns. The 2nd round pick has seen modest yardage totals so far this season, failing to eclipse the 50 yard mark in his first 5 outings, but the opportunities are there, with Jordan Love targeting the former Oregon State Beaver 5 times per game on average. A big game is on the horizon for Musgrave, and with the Packers fresh off the bye squaring off against the worst team in the NFL against tight ends, it could just happen this week.
Michael Mayer @CHI ($2,700)
The jokes are already set up for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer to come alive just in time for Halloween. The 2nd round pick out of Notre Dame was barely 1-year old when the 8th instalment of the Halloween movie franchise was released, but you can be sure when October rolls around, Mayer will be ready to carve open opposition defenses and hopefully provide fantasy managers with more treats than tricks. Mayer saw a season high 6 targets last weekend in the Raiders win over New England and will hope to build on that performance in another favourable matchup against the Bears. Don’t be spooked by the rookie, he offers scarily good value at only $2700.
Baltimore Ravens v DET ($2,500)
Detroit is one of the most potent offenses in the NFL but entering week 7 there exists a distinct possibility that they are without their top 3 options at running back for the matchup versus the Ravens in Baltimore. David Montgomery is almost certain to sit out this week with a rib injury, Craig Reynolds was held out of practise with toe and hamstring issues, and Jahmyr Gibbs is yet to fully practise following his hamstring strain a few weeks back. Baltimore are home favourites in a low Over/Under, they are a great cheap play at only $2500 this weekend.
Arizona Cardinals @SEA ($2,300)
Another defensive unit that gets to take on an injury ravaged offensive unit is the Arizona Cardinals. I would heavily lean towards rostering Baltimore over Arizona, but if you have to save that extra $200 then taking a punt on a Cardinals DST against the Seahawks could pay off. DK Metcalf was held out of practise on Wednesday with rib and hip injuries, whilst Tyler Lockett only managed a limited participation due to a lingering hamstring issue. There is a high possibility Ken Walker could just run all over the Cardinals, so proceed with caution on this one!
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Image Credit: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
